Munich, Germany
To celebrate its 200th anniversary this year, an extra day has been added at either end of the world's largest ‘people's' fair. That makes for an 18-day long excuse to knock back as much frothy, golden liquid as possible, but the event is not just about lots of people getting trolleyed - it's a great way to taste Bavarian culture, and gastronomy. Patrons line their stomachs with local delicacies such as Obatzda (spicy combination of cheese and butter), Weisswurst (white sausage) and oxen, as well as endless classic German fare; while customs include a 12-gun salute as the first keg is tapped and the ubiquitous cowboy hats complete with prized tufts of goat hair. Other features of the festival include fairground rides; Lederhosen; celebrities, countless souvenirs and 14 beer tents (these have a traditional, family-friendly focus with quiet music in the daytime, followed by raucous partying, live music and dancing on tables in the evenings).
This year, to celebrate its anniversary, Oktoberfest's first day will feature a historic reconstruction of how the festival looked centuries ago, and there'll be twice-daily horse races to remind everyone that it was one of these (held at a royal wedding) that gave birth to the very first Oktoberfest in 1810. On the last day there'll be beer tents without the usual reserved seating.
If you like the sound of all (or some of) this, our lifestyle managers can arrange everything you need to get you there. We can take care of getting you tickets, book your flights and accommodation, suggest sightseeing ideas while you're in Germany, organise car hire, provide a guide to the top restaurants and bars wherever else you'll be going, and of course give you as much information as you'll need to make the most of the festival itself.
